Why Buy From Orion

Beginner

Suited for a wide range of uses, Level 1 Beginner telescopes are simple to operate and set up. Some initial assembly may be required. Very good optical and mechanical quality. Great for families, young people, and folks who don't want to mess with equipment but just want to take a look. Any of these scopes will show you countless lunar craters, Saturn's rings and a myriad of star clusters and nebulas! Referring to the manual is recommended.

Orion XT4.5 Dobsonian Telescope & Beginner Barlow Kit

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This product is no longer available for purchase. But you might be interested in the Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope Kit. You can view this product by clicking on the product image or the button below. Thank you.

With the Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian Telescope & Beginner Barlow Kit, stargazing will be easy and fun for the whole family. Its portable size, innovative design, and point-and-view simplicity make it an extremely user-friendly telescope for beginners and intermediate stargazers alike. What's more, this value-packed telescope kit is loaded with useful extra accessories to help you and your family enjoy stargazing adventures together.

The Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian's Newtonian reflector tube assembly features a big 4.5" (114mm) diameter light-gathering mirror housed in an enameled steel tube. This spherical primary mirror pulls in 260% more starlight than the lens of a 60mm refractor (the classic beginner telescope). More light means you can see a lot more celestial objects in greater detail. The 4.5" Classic Dobsonian is a great telescope for surveying the Moon's many craters, valleys, and mountains. It's relatively long focal length and f/8 focal ratio provides well-defined views of Jupiter's cloud band "stripes" and nearby Galilean moons, not to mention Saturn and its awe-inspiring rings. This telescope is not limited to only view objects in our solar system. The SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dob is a great telescope to use while star-hopping among the Milky Way's diverse star clusters and nebulas.

Packed with great features, the Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Dobsonian Telescope comes complete with an assortment of useful accessories so you'll be ready for stargazing action as soon as you open the box.

Accurately aim the SkyQuest XT4.5 Dobsonian with the included 6x26 correct-image finder.

Instead of a small 5x finder scope or reflex sight like you get with most beginner scopes, you get a 6x26 correct-image finder scope with the XT4.5 Dobsonian, which makes it easier to accurately aim the telescope at celestial objects of interest. The finder's correct-image view matches naked-eye vision for simple and effective aiming. Sharp crosshairs in the finder makes it easy to center objects in the telescope's field of view.

Explore the cosmos at different magnifications with two included Sirius Plossl eyepieces.

Two fully coated 1.25" Sirius Plossl telescope eyepieces are included with the XT4.5 Dobsonian: a 25mm for wider-field views at 36x power magnification, and a 10mm for getting in close at 91x power. We recommend starting out with the lower-power 25mm eyepiece to see a bigger "window" of night sky, then swap in the 10mm eyepiece for close-up views. Both eyepieces are threaded to accept optional Orion filters which can enhance observations (filters sold separately).

The SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian reflector telescope features a robust, 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser built to accept any 1.25" Orion eyepiece or accessory. The smooth focus control makes it easy to dial-in fine details when observing objects in the night sky, whether you're looking at a rocky lunar crater or a wispy nebula. The focuser features two knurled thumbscrews to secure inserted 1.25" eyepieces and accessories in-place.

Use the built-in navigation knob to slew the XT4.5 Dob from target to target.

The XT4.5 Dobsonian telescope's enameled steel reflector optical tube boasts a handy "navigation knob" for easy slewing, or re-positioning of the telescope. To aim the XT4.5, or move it from target to target, simply take hold of the navigation knob near the front opening of the reflector tube and gently move the telescope up or down and left or right as desired. Not only does this handy knob make slewing easy, it also helps keep the tube itself nice and cool in temperature for optimal viewing performance.

Like our other critically acclaimed SkyQuest Classic Dobsonian reflector telescopes, the XT4.5 sports our exclusive Orion CorrecTension Friction Optimization system for superior optical tube balance and motion control. The CorrecTension springs also keep the tube securely fastened to the Dobsonian base, so the whole telescope can be carried as a single unit by the handle installed on the tube. There's no setting up or dismantling needed each time the telescope is used. That's a big plus!

Learn all about the night sky with the included Starry Night Special Edition software.

Explore starry skies anytime - even when it's cloudy! The Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian telescope includes a FREE download insert for a Special Edition of Starry Night astronomy software. With realistic sky simulations and a many useful features including telescope control, the user-friendly Starry Night Special Edition software will help you plan your observations and understand what you see. Requires PC running Windows 7, 8 or 10. Requires Macintosh running OS X 10.4 or higher.

The value-packed Beginner Barlow Kit will enhance your evenings under the stars.

Use the Shorty 2x Barlow lens to double the magnification of the included 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece and enjoy a 96-power view, or use it to double the power of other 1.25" eyepieces. Use the included MoonMap 260 to properly identify lunar features seen through the telescope. Read the Discover the Stars guidebook to learn helpful hints about stargazing. Use the Star Target Planisphere to see what constellations and objects will be visible on any day of the year. The RedBeam Mini flashlight makes it easy to refer to charts and books while observing, and it helps you see small parts and knobs without disrupting dark-adapted vision.

The Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian telescope has been designed with ease-of-use in mind. It's a true "Dobsonian" telescope, having all the great features and value that make the Dobsonian reflector design so popular. Intuitive up-down, left-right altazimuth maneuverability makes it a cinch for everyone in the family to use the XT4.5 reflector telescope. As with other Orion Classic Dobsonian telescopes, you don't have to worry about lock knobs or other balancing adjustments. The SkyQuest XT4.5's stable Dobsonian base provides sturdy support of the reflector optical tube, and it features non-stick PTFE/Nylon bearing pads so the scope glides smoothly with just a gentle nudge of the navigation knob on the front of the telescope. The Dobsonian base provides far greater stability than the tripods included with most beginner scopes, so your views will always be steady and free of frustrating vibrations and shakes.

The entire SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dob telescope weighs just 17.6 lbs. (tube 9 lbs., base 8.6 lbs.), so it's easy for almost anyone in the family to take to your favorite observing site, whether it's just a few steps out the back door, or off in the dark skies of nearby hills.

Don't discourage a budding interest in astronomy with a flimsy department store telescope - get a sophisticated instrument to nourish curiosity instead. The Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Classic Dobsonian is a real telescope, not a toy. Its high-quality design and simple operation makes it capable of delivering high-resolution images of astronomical objects; which is why Mom, Dad, and the rest of the gang will enjoy using it, too. Hey, the line forms at the eyepiece!

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.

Warning

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

User level

Level 1 Beginner - Suited for a wide range of uses, these telescopes are simple to operate and set up. Some initial assembly may be required. Very good optical and mechanical quality. Great for families, young people, and folks who don't want to mess with equipment but just want to take a look. Any of these scopes will show you countless lunar craters, Saturn's rings and a myriad of star clusters and nebulas! Referring to the manual is recommended.

Level 2 Intermediate - These scopes offer higher performance and more advanced features than Level 1: Beginner models. They typically take a bit longer to learn and need some set-up or adjustments. But anyone with the slightest technical bent will have no problem getting familiar with these models. Referring to the manual is recommended.

Level 3 Advanced - These scopes provide the best performance but may require more skill to master and appreciate. They have exceptionally fine optics and mechanics. Some are easy to use but are but on the large or heavy side. Some are intended for specialized uses. These scopes will appeal to the more technically inclined. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

Level 4 Expert - Expert telescopes offer uncompromising optical and mechanical quality for the most demanding amateur astronomer. They may be technically involved or designed for specialized use, such as astrophotography or detailed deep sky observation. They carry a premium price, but are designed to provide the ultimate performance in the field. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

Optical design

Reflector telescopes use a pair of large and small mirrors to direct incoming light to the eyepiece.
Refractor telescopes refract, or "bend" incoming light to a focus by means of an objective lens.
Cassegrain telescopes, such as Maksutov-Cassegrains, "fold" incoming light using two mirrors and a front "corrector" lens.

Optical diameter

For telescopes, the optical diameter (also known as aperture) is the size of a telescope's main light-collecting lens or primary mirror, measured in millimeters or inches. Telescopes with larger optical diameters collect more light, which leads to an increase in brightness and image resolution compared to smaller instruments.

For binoculars, the optical diameter (also known as objective lens diameter) is the size of each of the front-facing objective lenses of a binocular measured in millimeters. Binoculars with larger objective lenses collect more light, which increases image resolution and brightness. Binoculars with larger objective lenses are recommended for low light situations, and binoculars with at least 50mm or larger objective lenses are recommended for pleasing astronomical observations at night.

Focal length

The distance from the center of a curved mirror or lens at which parallel light rays converge to a single point. The focal length is an inherent specification of a mirror or lens and is one of the factors in determining resultant magnification for a telescope (along with the focal length of the eyepiece being used).

Focal ratio

The focal ratio of an optical system is the ratio of a telescope's focal length to its aperture. Short focal ratios (f/5, f/4.5) produce wide fields of view and small image scales, while long focal lengths produce narrower fields of views and larger image scales.

Optics type

Newtonian reflectors will have either a spherical shaped mirror, which is less expensive to produce, or a higher quality parabola, which does not result in spherical aberration. Cassegrain telescopes routinely use spheres in addition to other lenses in the optical path to correct for residual spherical aberration.
Refractors use a series of lenses to provide a clear image. Designs range from a standard air-spaced doublet (two lenses in a row) to exotic designs such as oil-spaced triplets and 4-element multi group lenses.

Glass material

Refractors use glass lenses to focus the light, and the glass material plays an important role in the quality of the resulting image. Standard achromatic refractors routinely use Crown and Flint for the two elements, but more expensive apochromatic refractors can use ED (extra low dispersion) glass for one or more of the lenses. Reflector mirrors are made from glass with different levels of thermal expansion. Standard mirrors are made from material such as Soda-Lime Plate glass and BK-7 glass. Glass with Pyrex or other low thermal expansion material will not change shape as dramatically during the cool-down period, resulting in more stable images during this period.

Resolving power

The theoretical resolving power of a telescope can be calculated with the following formula: Resolving power (in arc seconds) = 4.56 divided by aperture of telescope (in inches). In metric units, this is: Resolving power (in arc seconds) = 116 divided by aperture of telescope (in millimeters). Note that the formula is independent of the telescope type or model, and is based only upon the aperture of the telescope. So the larger the telescope's aperture, the more it is capable of resolving. This is important to keep in mind when observing astronomical objects which require high resolution for best viewing, such as planets and double stars. However, it is usually atmospheric seeing conditions (not the telescope) which limits the actual resolving power on a given night; rarely is resolution less than one arc-second possible from even the best viewing locations on Earth.

Lowest useful magnification

Lowest useful magnification is the power at which the exit pupil becomes 7mm in diameter. Powers below this can still be reached with the telescope to give wider fields of view, but the image no longer becomes brighter at a lower power. This is due to the fact that the exit pupil of the telescope (the beam of light exiting the eyepiece) is now larger than the average person's dark adapted pupil, and no more light can fit into the eye.

Highest useful magnification

The highest practical limit is different from the often used "highest theoretical magnification" specification. The "theoretical" limit generally is 50x the aperture of the scope in inches (2x the aperture in mm). So for example, an 80mm refractor is capable of 160x, and a 10" telescope is theoretically capable of 500x magnification.
But after approximately 300x, theory breaks down and real world problems take over. The atmosphere above us is constantly in motion, and it will distort the image seen through the telescope. This effect may not be noticeable at lower powers, but at higher powers the atmosphere will dramatically blur the object, reducing the quality of the image. On a good night (a night where the air above is steady and the stars aren't twinkling), the practical upper limit of a large telescope is 300x, even thought the theoretical limit may be much higher. This doesn't mean the scope will never be able to reach those higher "theoretical" powers - there will be that rare night where the atmosphere is perfectly still and the scope can be pushed past it's practical limit, but those nights will be few and far between.

Astro-imaging capability

The astro-photographic capability of the telescope is based on the style, stability, and accuracy of the mount and tripod. Telescopes on either very lightweight mounts or non tracking mounts (such as Dobsonians) are capable of only very short exposures such as lunar photographs. If a motor drive is attached to an equatorial mount, even a small lightweight mount is capable of capturing some planetary detail. Larger EQ mounts that utilize very precise tracking and excellent stability are capable of longer exposure deep-sky photography.

Computerized compatibility

Some mounts are compatible with a motorized Go-To system for fully automated computer finding of objects in the night sky. Others mounts are compatible with computer finding systems which require the user to manually move the mount to the object's position as indicated by the computer finder.

Warranty

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. It is not intended to remove or restrict your other legal rights under applicable local consumer law; your state or national statutory consumer rights governing the sale of consumer goods remain fully applicable.

Orders received by 1pm Eastern Standard Time for in-stock item the same business day. Order received after noon will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.

A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product due to its size and weight. This charge varies based on the shipping method.

Would you like more contrast and less glare while viewing the moon and bright planets? The 1.25" Orion Variable Polarizing Telescope Filter reduces both and brings out details. And you can adjust the amount of light transmission for the perfect view.

Having trouble viewing details on the Moons surface? This neutral-density eyepiece filter reduces glare so you can see more detail and surface features. The 1.25" Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter is especially useful with large aperture telescopes.

Designed for use with Orion 4.5", 6", 8" and 10" Dobsonians, the Dob Dolly provides a rugged wheeled platform for your big telescope. Use the Dob Dolly to roll your fully assembled Dobsonian reflector from its storage spot for stargazing adventures!

Dob Pod attaches securely to the base of your compatible Orion Dobsonian reflector and raises the entire telescope a full foot upwards for more convenient and comfortable stargazing. Compatible with Orion 4.5", 6", 8" and 10" Dobsonians.

The Orion DualBeam LED Astro Flashlight is a great multipurpose flashlight that lets you choose red or white light with the flip a switch. Red light preserves your night vision, while white light is brighter and great for packing up after viewing.

A great tool for bringing out details in the planets and Moon is this 1.25" set of four Orion Color Telescope Filters. Each colored filter brings out different details in the planets allowing for a totally different view.

For safely observing the sun through an Orion ShortTube 4.5 and SkyQuest XT4.5, you need the 5.81" ID Orion Solar Filter. This filter allows you to see details on the Sun's surface and provides more contrast and natural light than film filters.

At Orion, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophotography with the amateur astronomy community. Visit the Orion Community Center for in-depth information on telescopes, binoculars, and astrophotography. You can find astrophotography "how to" tips and share your best astronomy pictures here. Submit astronomy articles, events, & reviews, and even become a featured Orion customer!